"Thus it is said that one who knows the enemy and knows himself will not be endangered in a hundred engagements."
Sun Tzu, The Art of War.

War on Terrorism

Friday, July 06, 2007

Terrorist Killed, Nine Detained in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

July 5, 2007 – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained nine suspected terrorists during raids around the country yesterday and today targeting al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and operatives. This morning, coalition forces targeted an al Qaeda in Iraq explosives consultant suspected of helping improvised explosive device cells west of Baghdad. As the ground forces entered the objective site, they encountered an armed man. Acting in self-defense, coalition forces engaged the man, killing him.

During the raid, another armed man emerged from an adjoining room within the building. Coalition forces again, reacted in self-defense and engaged the armed man, wounding him. Three suspected terrorists were detained during the operation. Another raid this morning netted one suspected terrorist allegedly involved with al Qaeda in the Tarmiyah area.

Coalition forces captured the al Qaeda in Iraq administrative emir of a Baghdad neighborhood during a raid yesterday. The individual is suspected of handling logistics and financing for terrorists cells in the area, and arranging for movement of operatives for the organization. The ground forces also detained three individuals suspected of associating with the administrative emir.

"We're continuing to target all levels of the al Qaeda in Iraq organization, and are disrupting both their leadership structure and operations," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

"These (terrorists) were targeting not only coalition forces and Iraqi security forces, they were targeting the Iraqi people to escalate sectarian tensions in the area," Army Lt. Col. Peter Andrysiak, deputy commander of the Ironhorse Brigade, said. "The capture of these individuals has lead to a significant decrease in insurgent activity in our area."

The Ironhorse Brigade was able to target insurgents successfully in northwestern Baghdad neighborhoods thanks to tips from the local community, Andrysiak said.

A grassroots effort by tribal leaders in the Abu Ghraib, Taji, and Saab al Bor areas, to reject al Qaeda and work to reconcile with the government of Iraq, Iraqi security forces and the coalition, is aimed at putting an end to sectarian violence in those communities.

With 25 suspected insurgents captured in June, Andrysiak said, communities in northwest Baghdad are headed in the right direction.

"By bringing these individuals to justice, we have seen a decrease in the violence in our area," Andrysiak added. "With the help of the volunteers, we are optimistic the violence will not return."